jiaozi OR guotie = potstickers

I can't say enough good things about these delicious nuggets. They are perfect. Thanks to Shu dajie (big sister) for teaching us how to make this famous Chinese dish! You can obviously change the amounts, meat/veggies, and even substitute anything you may not care for. There are many kinds of Jiaozi in the world yet to be created! ....but plan on spending 3-4 hours with some friends!


Main Ingredients:
6 chicken* breasts, ground or chopped fine
green onions, 1 bunch
spinach, 1 med bunch
cilantro, 1 bunch
6-8 large white mushrooms
1 small eggplant, peeled
baby cabbage*, 1/2 bunch
garlic, to taste (1-2 cloves minced)
1-2 T fresh ginger, minced

Flavorings:
3/4 cup oil (1/2 cup vegetable, 1/4 cup sesame oil)
2 T salt
1/8 cup soy sauce
1/2 T Hua jiao fen* (spicy peppercorn powder)
1/5 tsp chicken bullion powder

Extra Items Needed:
200+ round Jiaozi wraps*
oil for frying
large wok with lid
basting brush
water
chopsticks
soy sauce for dipping

Preparation (1.5 hours)
Chop all your main ingredients finely (see pict above), and mix together in a large mixing bowl. Add flavorings, and continue to mix well. You can cut back on oil if you desire. This mixture should smell really great. Put a small dab of stuffing into the center of the wrap, and pinch the top together. There are many ways to close the wraps, so watch this funny video if you want to see some action and great demonstration., or you can watch us "in action" too. Lay your Jiaozi on a large board before you fly/steam.

Frying (1.5 hours)
Heat small amount of oil in the bottom of your wok until hot. Place Jiaozi (about 15) neatly in the wok, on one side. Fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Flip each Jiaozi, and splash with water from a basting brush 10-15 times. Cover immediately, and steam for 4+ minutes until done. The water keeps them from getting too dried out. Serve warm with soy sauce for dipping.


Steaming (1+ hours)
You will need a large steamer, with 1-2 levels of steaming layers. Steam Jiaozi for 12-15 minutes, depending on the type of meat you use.

Happy wrapping & devouring!

*if you use beef, lamb or pork - you will need to cook the Jiaozi longer to make sure the meat is cooked thru.
glory to Shu dajie, a wonderful woman & joyful friend